Speedrunning

Speedrunning in TowerFall has two main categories: Co-op mode and Trials mode. This page details the standardized criteria for both. Note that a "run" is defined as a sequence of stages played in succession with time counting from beginning of the first stage to the end of the last stage, as distinguished from individual stage times.

V-Sync and Frame Counter

When recording speedruns on PC ensure that v-sync is enabled in the in-game options menu as in-game timing can become inconsistent when playing with v-sync off which invalidates run times. Record with a visible FPS (Frames Per Second) counter to verify that the game is running at the full 60 frames per second (Steam has a built-in FPS counter which can be enabled in the Steam client settings).

Other Requirements

Play with the latest available version update. On PC, use of the in-game console is forbidden as are cheat engines of any kind. No modifications are allowed, including sprite and sound edits and the Bartizan mod framework.

Unlock all content before recording a run (see the Secrets page for an unlock all code).

External Links

Co-op Mode Speedrunning

stageSplit.png
Stage splits occur on the frame the large arrow
stops moving behind the "COMPLETE!" text.

Co-op mode speedruns play stages in consecutive order with categories differing by the number of stages; Normal difficulty is standard though other difficulties are also valid. Powerup Variants must not be active in Dark World runs. Time starts from selecting the difficulty on the first stage (or "BEGIN!" in the case of Dark World stages), with stage splits and end time occurring when character control is lost which is precisely when the large arrow graphic passes behind the "COMPLETE!" text (the specific frame is when the arrow stops moving). Any number of stage restarts are allowed, either manually or in the case of game over, though each stage must be successfully completed to the extent that the "COMPLETE!" text appears and done so in sequential order.

See the above External Links for a LiveSplit split file.

See this YouTube video for a Co-op Full run along with benchmark times for all the main categories, detailed in the video description.

Main Categories

  • Quest Standard run: Sacred Ground to King's Court (8 stages)
  • Quest Extra run: Sacred Ground to Ascension (12 stages)
  • Quest Full run: Sacred Ground to Gauntlet II (14 stages)
  • Dark World Standard run: The Amaranth to Cataclysm (4 stages)
  • Dark World Full run: The Amaranth to Dark Gauntlet (5 stages)
  • Co-op Full run: Sacred Ground to Dark Gauntlet (19 stages)

Other Categories

  • Individual stage times (using the in-game timer, displayed after clearing each stage)
  • Multiplayer runs (2-4 players)
  • Runs on Hardcore or Legendary difficulty
  • Runs with Gold Skull or Eye rank achievements on every stage
  • Dark World Curse runs (up to 6 active curses)

Trials Mode Speedrunning

Trials mode speedruns play all stages in consecutive order (e.g. Sacred Ground I, II and III followed by Twilight Spire I, II and III, etc.). The main category has no time achievement requirement; simply clearing each stage will suffice. Time starts from selecting the first stage (Sacred Ground I), with stage splits and end time occurring when character control is lost and the screen darkens (the specific frame is the moment the screen begins to darken). Any number of stage restarts are allowed, either manually or in the case of death, though each stage must be successfully completed to the extent that the "COMPLETE!" text appears and done so in sequential order.

See the above External Links for a LiveSplit split file.

Individual stage time leaderboards are maintained by Suyooo in this Google spreadsheet. Additional links to the runner’s individual spreadsheets and their videos are on the front sheet.

There is an ongoing discussion of the Dark World expansion Trials individual stage records in this Steam discussion.

Main Category

  • Full run: Sacred Ground I to Cataclysm III (48 stages), no time achievement requirement

Other Categories

  • Individual stage times (using the in-game timer)
  • Runs with Gold Medal or Diamond time achievements on every stage

Notable Speedrunners

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